Rail

L.A. may invest in streetcar system

LOS ANGELES — A study commissioned by AEG President Tim Leiweke and other backers found that a four-mile circular L.A. streetcar system would create $1 billion in new economic development and create 9,300 jobs, according to a KPCC report. The streetcar's route would include AEG's venues — the Staples Center, LA Live and the prospective NFL football stadium — and cost approximately $125 million.

A plan for the streetcar system, backed by the Chamber of Commerce and downtown City Council Members Jose Huizar and Jan Perry, would tax local property owners to pay for about half of the cost. For the full story, click here.

Rail Operations is currently in the process of replacing all stub end tracks at Hoboken Terminal with new sliding friction bumper blocks, as well as advancing a speed control system for trains entering Hoboken Terminal.

The $99 million streetcar opened in December 2014 amid sky-high expectations, but ridership failed to meet expectations in its first year and plummeted nearly 60% after the city began charging $1 to ride.